The affected area included the Dolphin Restaurant, a restroom facility, and surrounding sections. This disaster unfolded amid a $4 million repair project intended to address damage from prior winter storms.

Santa Cruz police confirmed that three individuals were on the wharf when it gave way. Two were rescued from the water by emergency responders, while the third managed to escape without assistance. Although only minor injuries were reported, the collapse prompted the immediate evacuation of the entire wharf for safety reasons.

“We had our engineer, our engineering team and our wharf crew on-site monitoring minute by minute,” explained Matt Huffaker, a city official. “We made the decision that based on our forecasting models, it would be safe to do so today with constant monitoring.” However, despite these precautions, the structural failure highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather and the aging infrastructure.

The collapse also resulted in additional damage. A crane and a skid steer, both vital pieces of equipment for the repair project, plunged into the ocean alongside debris from the restroom.

In response to the incident, the city closed the Santa Cruz Harbor indefinitely, citing extensive storm surge damage. Main Beach and Cowell’s Beach were also declared off-limits, while the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk suspended operations for the rest of the day out of caution.

Officials warned that access to landside businesses in the area would be restricted, with parking significantly impacted by the ongoing recovery efforts.

Current conditions remain hazardous. Authorities have identified unstable docks, continued risk of vessels sinking, and surging waters as persistent threats. With more severe weather forecasted, officials anticipate additional damage to the already fragile wharf. The full extent of the destruction is still under evaluation, and the wharf will remain closed until further notice.

It is the sixth iteration of such structures in Santa Cruz, following predecessors like the Gharky Wharf and the Pleasure Pier. The current wharf was uniquely designed to accommodate deep-water ships, a feature lacking in earlier constructions.

As authorities continue to assess the damage, warnings about ongoing risks have been amplified. On December 24, Cal Fire Santa Cruz Unit issued a public advisory via X, cautioning against visiting beaches or coastal areas. “Dangerous and powerful waves can sweep across entire beaches unexpectedly,” they warned, urging people to avoid water activities and flooded areas.

As recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring public safety, mitigating further damage, and preserving the legacy of this historic landmark. Residents and visitors are urged to adhere to safety advisories while authorities assess the full extent of the disaster.